Step 1: Start with Dealer Research

Before diving into brands or floorplans, start by searching *"Who is the best RV dealer in Michigan?"

Why? Because the dealership you choose is just as important—if not more—than the RV brand itself. You're not just buying a camper; you're investing in a support system for future service, warranty work, and repairs.

• Look for top-rated dealerships with strong customer feedback.
  
  
• Read reviews carefully. Don’t be swayed by surface-level ratings—dig into how they handle issues after the sale.
  
  
• Be cautious of “big box” dealers who flood review sites with paid positive reviews to outweigh a negative history.
  
  
• Don’t be fooled by a few perfect ratings. High scores mean more when they come from a large volume of customers over time. A small number of 5-star reviews can be easy to manipulate—what you want is consistency and credibility.

Remember: Signing the paperwork is the easy part. How a dealership supports you after the sale—especially when warranty issues pop up—is what really matters.

Step 2: Visit Dealerships In Person

Once you’ve identified a few dealers, take the time to visit them in person. This is your chance to get a true feel for the dealership—not just the sales team, but service, parts, and their overall culture.

• Use this as a shopping day—not a buying day.
  Walk through different product lines and floorplans to see what fits your needs and lifestyle. Learn the differences in layout, build, weight, and features. This is your research phase—take notes, ask questions, and explore.
  
  
• Ask your salesperson if they offer a test drive (with tow).
  This is important for peace of mind and safe towing. If they look puzzled or dismiss the idea, that’s a red flag. Dealerships that prioritize your safety and experience will encourage test drives.
  
  
• Test their follow-up.
  Instead of purchasing, leave your salesperson with a few follow-up questions and see how they respond. Are they timely, professional, and helpful? How they follow up now is often how they’ll treat you after the sale.
  
  
• If you feel pressured to “buy today” without a valid reason, be cautious.
  High-pressure sales tactics don’t belong in a long-term purchase decision like RVing.

Step 3: Trust Your Gut and Choose Your Dealer

After touring your selected dealerships, take a moment to absorb how each one made you feel.

Ask yourself:

• Who made you feel welcome?
  
  
• Who treated you like family, not just another number?
  
  
• Who took the time to educate, not just sell?
  
  
• Choose the dealership that gave you the strongest, most trustworthy impression. This should be the one that aligned with your values, respected your time, and showed genuine interest in helping—not just closing a deal.
  
  
• Review the information they gave you—tow ratings, vehicle capacity, and the RV models that caught your eye.
  
  
• Make a return visit to re-walk the units you’re most interested in with a fresh perspective.
  
  
• If everything still feels right on that second visit—go ahead.
  Leave your deposit and schedule your pickup day. You're ready to start your camping adventure with a dealership that has your back.
  
  
• But if the vibe has changed, take that as a red flag.
  If the warmth disappears or pressure suddenly kicks in, trust your instincts. Back out and revisit your options. You're looking for a dealer that prioritizes customer service over profit—that doesn’t change once you show serious interest.

Happy Camping
Choosing the right dealership is the first step to years of stress-free adventures.

Brought to you by Tri City RV – Where Service Comes First

We hear it all the time from first-time buyers:
“I didn’t think I could afford an RV.”

But the truth is, you don’t need a massive down payment to start living the RV lifestyle. At Tri City RV, we partner with lenders who understand that camping isn’t just a purchase—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. That’s why we offer low to no money down financing on most models, making it easier than ever to get started.

Here’s what you can expect:

$0 Down Options on Most Models

With approved credit, many buyers qualify for zero down financing—especially on travel trailers, lightweight campers, and entry-level bunkhouses. This lets you get on the road without tying up your savings.

Low Monthly Payments That Fit Your Life

Depending on the RV model, loan term, and your credit profile, many buyers end up with monthly payments as low as $150–$300/month—comparable to a cable bill or a single hotel weekend.

Flexible Loan Terms

We work with a wide range of RV lenders that offer loan terms up to 12 or even 15 years, giving you more flexibility to stretch your budget and reduce your monthly commitment.

Free Pre-Approvals — No Pressure, No Guesswork

Not sure what you’d qualify for? We offer free pre-approvals so you can get a clear picture of your budget range before you ever commit. There’s no pressure to buy and no obligation to move forward—we just want to help you understand your options.

Protect Your RV, Protect Your Wallet

As you explore financing, don’t overlook the value-added protections that can come with your RV purchase. For just $10–$20 more per month in most cases, you can add peace of mind that lasts long after your warranty ends.

Popular protections include:

• Extended Service Agreements
  Coverage for major systems and appliances—saving you thousands in unexpected repairs.
• Tire & Wheel Protection
  Covers damage from road hazards that aren't always included under factory coverage.
• Gap Coverage
  In case of a total loss, this covers the difference between what your insurance pays and what you still owe.

These affordable upgrades are designed to protect your budget and your experience, so one surprise repair doesn’t take the fun out of camping.

Our finance team will walk you through all your options clearly—no pressure, no hidden fine print.

We Make Affordability Work for You

If you’re just getting started in the RV world, we’re here to help you make smart, affordable decisions. Our team walks you through the entire financing process with zero gimmicks, full transparency, and straight answers.

Want to explore what’s possible?
You can start right now by submitting our free pre-approval form or stopping by the dealership. We’re happy to explain how RV financing works, answer your questions, and help you find a payment plan that fits your lifestyle and budget—with confidence.

RV Storage Options: What First-Time Owners Should Know

Buying your first RV is exciting—but once the season winds down or a trip ends, a common question comes up: Where should I store it?

The good news is, you’ve got options—and RVs are built to handle the elements. Whether it’s at home, a friend’s property, or with a professional storage provider, here’s what you should know to protect your investment and keep things easy.

Common Storage Options: Pros & Considerations

1. Driveway or On-Site Storage
Great for quick access—but check your HOA or city rules first.

• Easy access for loading/unloading

• Saves on storage fees

• May require electrical hookup or trickle charging

• Watch for tree debris or ice build-up in colder months

2. Friend’s Property or a Farmer’s Barn
A popular option in Michigan—but ask about security and conditions.

• Usually low or no cost

• Indoor barns help keep snow, UV, and rodents out

• Be cautious of dirt floors or exposure to wildlife

• Out of sight = easy to forget maintenance or battery checks

3. Local Fairgrounds or Seasonal Lots
Many offer outdoor storage during the offseason.

• Affordable and seasonal

• Gated lots with monitored access are ideal

• Often uncovered, so consider UV protection

• Limited availability during fair or event seasons

4. RV Storage Facilities
Professional peace of mind with varying levels of protection.

• Choose from uncovered, covered, or indoor spots

• Often gated, lit, and camera-monitored

• Higher cost, but added protection and security

• Ask about snow removal and accessibility in winter

Indoor vs. Outdoor: What’s Best?

Indoor Storage

• Maximum protection from snow, rain, UV, and critters

• Ideal for higher-end units or longer-term storage

• More expensive and may have limited availability

Covered Outdoor Storage

• Keeps snow and sun off the roof

• Affordable middle ground

• Still subject to moisture and temperature swings

Uncovered Outdoor Storage

• Budget-friendly and widely available

• Most RVs are built for this—but maintenance is key

• Use roof treatment and wax to add seasonal protection

Should I Use an RV Cover?

We get this question a lot—and in Michigan, we usually say skip the cover.
While it might seem like a good idea, most store-bought covers are low quality and can become more of a problem than a solution:

• Wind damage: Great Lakes winds can whip covers loose and cause rubbing or tearing

• Limited lifespan: Most covers only last 1–2 seasons before they tear or degrade

• Better solution: A good wash, wax, and UV-blocking roof treatment does more long-term good than a cheap cover

RVs Are Built for the Outdoors

Remember—your RV is built to be outdoors. With the right prep and some seasonal care, it can handle Michigan winters, lake effect weather, and summer heat without issue. But if you want extra protection and convenience, indoor or covered storage is always a bonus.

Want Worry-Free Storage with Perks?

We offer secure, monitored on-site RV storage right here at Tri City RV—including options for long-term or seasonal needs.

Bonus: Units stored with us get access to discounted maintenance services, winterization, and priority service scheduling.